Jose Mourinho names the four favourites to win Euro 2024 | Football

The Three Lions will attempt to win their first major trophy since 1966 this summer and Mourinho insists they are one of four standout teams.

England enjoyed an impressive run to the last Euros final before suffering a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Italy at London’s Wembley Stadium.

It was a similar story of hope but eventual disappointment at the last two World Cups, where England reached the semi-finals and quarter-finals before leaving empty-handed.

Gareth Southgate confirmed his final 26-man Euros squad on Thursday evening, with Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish among those to miss out.

England are one of the bookmakers’ favourites to win Euro 2024 and legendary manager Mourinho believes that tag is justified, though he also expects Portugal, France and Spain to challenge for the trophy.

Discussing Portugal’s chances, Mourinho told GOAL: ‘I don’t want to be disrespectful about previous generations that we had, but in terms of squad depth and quality, we are probably now the best we have ever been and Portugal can go on to win it.

‘It’s about having confidence, self belief that they can beat anyone. I don’t want to say Portugal are the best team, but Spain, France, England, Germany are not better.

‘The best problem for a coach is having to choose who to play, because there are two great right-backs, two great left-backs, two great positional midfielders – and I say two only because there is a 23-man squad but there are more.

‘If there is a surprise, I will be surprised! France and Germany always do well, Portugal and England are better than ever. These four teams.

‘I’m not certain about Spain but the football they play and the players they have are of the highest quality. Italy or Belgium would be a surprise.’

England have selected a relatively inexperienced squad for the Euros, with 12 of their 26 travellers featuring at a major tournament for the very first time.

That includes Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer, who was the Premier League young player of the season in 2023-24.

The Euros begin next Friday with hosts Germany taking on Scotland at the Allianz Arena. England kick-start their campaign two days later against Serbia.

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